Best Places To Exchange Belarus Rubles

The Belarusian ruble is the national currency of Belarus. It was introduced in 1992, replacing the Soviet Ruble. The currency has been redenominated twice since its introduction. As of 2016, there are coins in circulation in addition to banknotes. If you are looking to exchange your Belarusian rubles, you can do so at a bureau or through an online platform.

Exchanging Belarusian rubles in Belarus

The Belarusian ruble is the national currency of Belarus. It was introduced in 1992, replacing the Soviet Ruble at a rate of 1 Belarusian Ruble for 10 Soviet Rubles. Since then, the currency has been redenominated twice. The First Ruble (BYB), introduced in 1992, was replaced by the Second Ruble (BYR) in 2000 at a rate of 1 BYR for 1000 BYB. In 2009, the Third Ruble (BYN) was introduced, replacing the Second Ruble at a rate of 1 BYN for 10,000 BYR.

Exchanging Currency in Belarus

If you are travelling to Belarus, it is recommended that you have local currency on hand, as other currencies may not be accepted. Belarusian rubles can be obtained in-country at a large number of exchange offices, banks, and ATMs. Exchange offices are most often found at banks, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

It is important to note that the Belarusian ruble is not a fully convertible currency, so it is not possible to obtain it before arriving in Belarus. Additionally, American Express traveller's cheques are no longer sold or redeemed in the country.

Banknotes and Coins

The Belarusian ruble is available in the following denominations:

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 rubles.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kopecks, and 1 and 2 rubles.

Before the redenomination of 2016, there were no coins in circulation in the history of sovereign Belarus. Since 1996, the National Bank of Belarus has produced commemorative coins that are of interest to coin collectors and are legal tender. These coins, made of gold, silver, and copper-nickel alloy, depict various themes, historical events, and famous people.

Tips for Exchanging Currency

When exchanging currency in Belarus, it is important to ensure that your bills are new and crisp. If your bills have any tears, marks, or other signs of wear and tear, you may be charged an additional 10% of the face value on top of the standard exchange fee.

It is also worth noting that Belarus has import and export regulations for currency. You can bring in and take out up to 10,000 EUR or its equivalent in other currencies. Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared.

Exchanging Belarusian rubles in the UK

Challenges in Exchanging Belarusian Rubles in the UK

One of the main challenges in exchanging Belarusian rubles in the UK is the currency's closed nature. The Belarusian ruble is a closed currency, which means it is controlled by the government and typically needs to be bought and sold within the country. This restriction makes it difficult to find banks or exchange bureaus in the UK willing to deal with Belarusian rubles.

Additionally, the Belarusian ruble is not a fully convertible currency, so it cannot be obtained outside of Belarus. This restriction further limits the options for exchanging the currency in the UK.

Options for Exchanging Belarusian Rubles

Despite these challenges, there may be a few options for exchanging Belarusian rubles in the UK:

• Specialist Currency Exchange Companies: Some specialist companies, such as Leftover Currency, offer currency exchange services for Belarusian rubles. They exchange all current BYN Belarusian ruble banknotes and coins. However, it is always advisable to check the latest information on their website.
• Charitable Donations: If you are unable to find a suitable exchange option, you could consider donating the Belarusian rubles to a charity working in Belarus. This way, you can support a good cause while also ensuring the currency is put to use.
• Online Platforms: There are online platforms, like Manor FX, that allow you to convert British pounds to Belarusian rubles and vice versa. They offer competitive rates and convenient services, such as door-to-door delivery or collection near Heathrow. However, always check the latest government advice before planning to travel to Belarus.

Tips for Travelling to Belarus

When travelling to Belarus, it is recommended to have cash in US dollars or Euros, as it can be difficult to exchange foreign currency for Belarusian rubles within the country. It is also important to inform your UK bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Additionally, be aware of the UK government's sanctions against certain Belarusian companies and individuals, which may impact financial transactions. Always stay informed about the latest travel advice and safety information when considering a trip to Belarus.

Exchanging old Belarusian rubles

The Belarusian ruble, or rouble, has been redenominated three times since its introduction in 1992. The First Ruble (BYB) was replaced by the Second Ruble (BYR) in 2000, and the Third Ruble (BYN) was introduced in 2016.

If you have old Belarusian rubles, you can exchange them for your local currency at currency exchange services such as Leftover Currency. They accept all current BYN Belarusian ruble banknotes and coins.

Alternatively, if you are based in the UK, you can exchange your old Belarusian rubles at Manor FX. They offer an excellent rate for converting Belarusian rubles to British pounds.

It is worth noting that the Belarusian ruble is a closed currency, so you won't be able to get any before you arrive in the country. However, you can use your debit card in Belarus, as Visa cards are accepted in most places, including shops, restaurants, and ATMs.

Belarusian rubles to GBP exchange rate

The Belarusian Ruble is the national currency of Belarus. It was introduced in 1992, replacing the Soviet Ruble at a rate of 1 Belarusian Ruble for 10 Soviet Rubles. The Ruble has since been redenominated twice. The First Ruble (BYB), introduced in 1992, was replaced by the Second Ruble (BYR) in 2000 at a rate of 1 BYR for 1000 BYB. In 2009, the Third Ruble (BYN) was introduced, replacing the Second Ruble at a rate of 1 BYN for 10,000 BYR.

As of November 2024, 1 BYN is equivalent to £0.1204200000 - £0.1725300000. This rate is provided by Leftover Currency, a currency exchange service.

Another source, Wise, gives a slightly different rate for the same period, stating that 1.000 BYN is equivalent to £0.2362 GBP.

Xe.com provides a rate for the obsolete BYR currency. As of September 2024, 1 GBP was equivalent to 43,515.543 BYR. This equates to 1 BYR being worth 0.0000229803 GBP.

Manor FX is a UK-based company that offers currency exchange for Belarusian Rubles. They offer home delivery for orders over £750 and have a bureau near Heathrow Airport for currency collection. They do not provide their exchange rate online.

Belarusian rubles to USD exchange rate

The Belarusian ruble is the national currency of the Republic of Belarus. It was introduced in 1992, replacing the Soviet Ruble at a rate of 1 Belarusian Ruble for 10 Soviet Rubles. The ruble has since been redenominated twice.

As of November 18, 2024, 1 Belarusian Ruble is equal to 0.30580864 US Dollars. This means that 1 US Dollar is worth 3.2700231 Belarusian Rubles.

When exchanging currency, it is important to note that you will not receive the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is simply a standard used for price comparisons. The actual exchange rate you receive will vary depending on the provider. Banks and traditional providers may have extra costs, which they pass on to customers by marking up the exchange rate.

Online currency converters, such as xe.com, wise.com, and markets.businessinsider.com, can be used to easily calculate the current exchange rate between the Belarusian Ruble and US Dollar, as well as other currencies. These websites also provide historical exchange rate data, allowing users to compare rates over different periods.

In addition to online tools, there are physical locations where you can exchange currencies, such as banks and currency exchange kiosks. It is recommended to bring new, crisp bills when exchanging cash, as some places may charge a fee for worn or marked bills.

Frequently asked questions